Lancaster PA Things To Do – Attractions in Lancaster County

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Attractions and Things To Do in Lancaster, PA (2017)

If you’re not sure what to do in Lancaster, you’ve come to the right place! Visit Amish Country PA and experience for yourself all of the fun things there are to do in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania! Whether you’re looking for specific attractions, activities, entertainment venues, or just want something to do for a few hours, you can find it here.

Even for longtime visitors, there are places to visit and new things to see that can make your next visit as exciting as your first. Thanks to our historical heritage, excellent food, great shopping, and fun activities for folks of all ages, people return year after year.

In addition to the attractions on this page (scroll down), we’ve also categorized our Lancaster, PA points of interests into helpful lists:

So come get away from it all, and rediscover that wonderful feeling you get in our peaceful country farmland setting. Of all the places to visit on vacation, Lancaster, PA is where you’ll always find fun things to do for every family member (or even on a romantic getaway)! We’ve also got some local tips and info on how to get here. Here’s things to do in Amish Country PA…

Enjoy Many Places to Go & Things to Do in Lancaster, PA (Amish Country, PA)

The greatest stories ever told come to life on Sight & Sound’s massive stage. Seas part all around you, whales swim overhead and animals race by as you’re immersed in these spectacular Biblical musicals—live on stage! See website

The sky is the limit at Sky Zone! We are the inventors of “fun fitness”. An experience for people of all ages, sizes and physical abilities, we are dedicated to providing you with the joy that flying provides. We are sky lovers, thrill seekers and believe that jumping is freedom! Visit website

Steam through Amish Country. Enjoy a 45-minute ride aboard America's oldest short-line railroad on an authentic steam train while traveling through scenic Lancaster County farmland. Back at the historic station, enjoy unique shops, dining opportunities both onboard the train and at the station, and other fun extras. All Aboard! Visit website

There are some thrills of driving that you just don’t get cooped up in a car. Enjoy our guided scooter tour through Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Hop into a 50cc Scoot Coupe and discover exceptional views of the countryside, and an insightful look at some of Lancaster County’s oldest covered bridges. Visit website

Join an educational tour of a 4th-generation farm. Milk a cow, feed a calf, venture inside the barns, visit the chicken coop, and interact with animals. Learn how to make small batches of cheese, ice cream, or soap during a farmstead workshop. Schedule varies, March-November. View availability and book online at verdantview.com.

Wolf Sanctuary of PA offers a lifelong safe haven for displaced wolves and wolf-dogs. The sanctuary provides quality care and enrichment for the wolves, and has grown into an educational facility, offering guided tours to provide education about wolf conservation and biology. Visit their website for more information. Visit website

Ride back in time and enjoy the beautiful Lancaster County countryside. Experience a taste of Amish country life. Our drivers will answer all your questions about our Amish Lifestyle. Amish buggies and spring wagons Three different tours available. Large groups welcome. Petting zoo. We hope to see you soon. Visit website.

Tour the only officially designated “Heritage Site” Amish house. Explore the nine rooms as your certified guide unravels the riddles of Amish clothing and life without electricity. Sit at authentic Amish desks in the Fisher One-Room School and learn how eight grades are taught in one room. Visit website

Experience a very different world where the Amish live and work, as your certified guide takes you deep into the heart of Amish Country. Witness farming as it was practiced generations ago, one-room schools, life without electricity, weddings, and more. Always an Amish shop (except Sundays). Visit website

Experience the Amish way of life! After a guided tour of our 1840 farmhouse, stroll throughout the scenic 12-acre grounds. Explore a one-room schoolhouse, barn with farm animals, and Smokehouse Food Market. Meet and mingle with Amish staff. Then discover the breathtaking countryside through our Backroads Bus Tour. Visit website

Experience the Thrill of a Hot Air Balloon Ride, floating over the Amish Farm Country below. Our guests have enjoyed this wonderful Hot Air Balloon Experience for more than 25 years. Balloon Rides originate from The Bird-in-Hand Family Inn. Sunrise and Sunset Rides. Call for reservations: 800-763-5987 for reservations, or go to www.USHotAirBalloon.com.

Throughout Lancaster County
717-721-9409
April 13-29, October 5-21,
and November 30-December 9.

A shopping/food and fun adventure featuring 40 off-the-beaten path businesses. Travel place to place enjoying all the valuable coupons and special free things the businesses have planned for you. Every tour is different. What a fun way to explore! Tickets are $9 each. Visit website

A visit to PA Dutch Country is not complete without stopping at the Farmers Market. Over 25 vendors offer a diverse selection of food, crafts, furniture and handmade items. Make your stay in Lancaster County complete with this delightful country shopping experience. Visit website.

Our Broadway-style musicals have been delighting Amish Country audiences since 2011. We have become a favorite stop for live performances in Lancaster County. 2017 includes the return of two favorites, Half-Stitched and Our Christmas Dinner; a new musical comedy, “Mennonite Girls Can Cook”; and the fascinating Magic & Wonder Show. Visit website

Join over a million adventurers. Over 50 Farm Fun Activities for all ages. Home of the Amazing Maize Maze. Entertain family and friends as you visit our farm animal center, singing chicken show, pedal karts, pumpkin slinger, guided wagon tour, and more. See you at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm.

Gigantic model train layout! Our 1,700 square foot train display is home to over 150 hand-created, animated figures and 22 operating model trains. Family-owned since 1961, this work of art is fun for all ages! We are much more than “just trains”! Open daily, Mid-March - December. Learn more: www.ChooChooBarn.com.

Discover Lancaster's living heritage on Lancaster’s original 90-minute bus tour. Take in the scenic beauty of rural Lancaster County. You'll see and learn about Amish schools, Amish farms and culture, covered bridges, and even visit an Amish store or roadside stand. Daily tours - please call ahead for reservation. See website

Dutch Apple is a year-round theatre presenting live musicals performed by professional performers from across the country. Dining options include: All American cuisine buffet Sunday- Wednesday evening/all matinees; Served Dinner at your table Thursday Evening; Prime Rib Buffet Friday/Saturday Evening. Group Rates for parties of 16 or more. Visit website

With over 35 rides, and attractions, Duke’s Lagoon water play area, and live entertainment, Dutch Wonderland is perfect for families! Open weekends starting April 28th, daily Memorial Day - Labor Day and most weekends through December. Visit website

America’s #1 Haunted Attraction! Field of Screams boasts an impressive line-up of 4 world class Haunted Attractions and Entertainment Area. Come out and be scared on The Haunted Hayride, the Den of Darkness Horror Barn, the Frightmare Asylum Haunted House, and the Nocturnal Wasteland Wicked Trail. Unique and Terrifying Fun. Visit website

Looking for something to do? Hours of fun with bumper cars, ropes course, laser tag, mini-bowling, arcade, café and more! Climate controlled with free parking, we’re just a few minutes from Lancaster city. Use our money-saving passes or pay for each attraction. Please visit our website for more information.

Fun, food, shopping & lodging await you at our Village built around our "world famous" canning kitchen where you will discover tradition with a twist. Sample freshly made salsa and pickles, take a carriage ride, taste award winning wines. Find a great selection of locally made items & national brands throughout the Village. Visit website

Stop in and say Hello to the miniature horses at our Old Order Amish farm just outside Strasburg. They are gentle, friendly, and waiting to be petted. Saddle rides and cart rides are available. Our Lil' Country Store features many Amish hand-crafted products, including framed prints, quillows, birdhouses, and food products. See webpage

Brett Myers and his magical cast return in a new show of grand illusion, audience participation, and comedy. Witness a woman impossibly floating in midair and experience true wonder as you unleash your imagination in this 90-minute theatrical production for all ages! Visit website

Travel back over 100 years to experience an authentic “Magic Lantern” show in the only theater of its kind in the world. With a live Showman, music, spectacular images, and Victorian “special effects,” celebrate our nation's story in the summer Patriotic Show, and experience a nostalgic Christmas Show for the holidays. Visit website

We interpret Amish and Mennonite beliefs, lifestyle, and culture. "Who are the Amish" is a multi-media program on the Amish culture. Our Mennonite tour guides offer back country tours of Lancaster County, including Amish and Mennonite shops and farms. Also, home of the Biblical Tabernacle. learn more at www.MennoniteInfoCtr.com.

Everyone Plays a Character. No script, but plenty of info for you to accuse, joke, bribe, flirt, and threaten! Take on a new persona as you find out WHODUNIT! You are welcome choose your own date and bring up to 20 people (minimum 14) or join a pre-scheduled date. Visit website

Take a tour through the history of timekeeping, from early non-mechanical devices to today's atomic and radio controlled clocks. With over 12,000 items in its collection, this museum is the largest and most comprehensive horological collection in North America. Visit their website to learn more.

Jousting knights and royal delights await at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Villagers create the mirth and merriment of musical and magic acts, human chess, live jousting and more. Shop with scores of unique merchants, enjoy hand-crafted beers, a variety of wines and delicious foods from Royal Kitchens. Experience the fantasy! Visit website

All Comedy, All the Time! Fine dining and critically acclaimed shows in Paradise, PA. When was the last time you had a good laugh? America's only all comedy dinner theatre! Check our show schedule, or order tickets online, or call 800-292-4301.

The Refreshing Mountain Ziplines are a great outdoor adventure activity for your group or family. With two courses to choose from we have options for all skill and thrill levels. We have much more to do with outdoor team building activities, overnight cabin rentals, community pool and much more! Visit website

Lancaster's only Horseback Riding Adventure just got better! Nookside is now serving ALL ages with exciting guided horseback rides through obstacle courses in picturesque Lancaster County, and offers new Pony Wagon Adventures for a full hands-on experience for the whole family. Visit website

View Lancaster County like never before with a helicopter sightseeing tour or flight training program! Fly over your favorite landmarks, sports stadiums, parks, and more. Tours start at just 39.99 for all ages and can be scheduled for any day of the week! Visit website

Over 5,000 porcelain and vinyl dolls. Largest selection of dolls, doll clothing, doll furniture, and doll accessories in Lancaster County. Reborn baby dolls. Berenguer babies. And an entire room of clothing & accessories for American Girl dolls. We have the perfect doll for you! Visit website

Visit the full-size reproduction of Moses' Tabernacle in the Wilderness, designed from Biblical descriptions in the book of Exodus. Lecture tours explain the history and spiritual significance of this dwelling place of God among his people. Guests representing many faiths and cultures from all over the world have found this fascinating. Visit website

AMT is where music is alive! Don't miss the biggest concerts, Broadway tours and original shows live on stage year round. Call the box office or visit www.AMTshows.com to see what's going to be on stage when you're in town!

Take a 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine™, rolling into Strasburg three times annually. Ride aboard the larger-than-life coal-burning steam train, enjoying activities for the entire family: storytelling, videos, imagination stations, photo opportunities, and many of the Railroad's beloved Fun Extras. Visit www.StrasburgRailRoad.com for tickets. Advance purchase is recommended.

There’s so much to explore at the area’s only museum where playing and learning go hand-in-hand. This not-for-profit museum features shared educational experiences that delight kids ages 2-10 and parents alike. Exhibits include Little Valley Farm, Mostly Make-Believe, The Corner Grocery, an outdoor Play Garden, and more! Visit website

Discover the world of the Amish today through the emotional struggle of the Fisher family to preserve 400 years of tradition. Five screens, smoke, fire, wind and Disney-like special effects immerse you in this dramatic story as you experience what it’s really like to be Amish. Visit website

Tour America's First Commercial Pretzel Bakery and get a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting. See the original brick ovens built in 1861 and learn about the long history of pretzel baking. Taste our fresh hot soft pretzels and unique flavors of hard pretzels baked by the Sturgis family. Visit website

By now, you've hopefully found some activities to do and points of interest to check out during your trip to Lancaster County. As you plan your vacation to Amish County in Pennsylvania, you should know that you can't do all of Lancaster County in one day! It's typically best to stay for a few days so that you can experience everything our area has to offer... and yet, be able to take some time to rest while enjoying the beautiful views of Amish farmland, rolling hills, and peaceful woodlands.

Things to Do in Small Towns in Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster is also known for its small towns (with many unique names) sprinkled throughout the county. Each town has a slightly different atmosphere and culture to it. If you're looking for activities in these towns, check out our lists of activities you can do in each one:

Tips from Locals

Bring your camera! Sunsets and sunrises across the rolling hills of Lancaster can provide you with excellent photo opportunities!

In addition to all of the tourist attractions, Amish farmland in PA Dutch Country makes for a beautiful drive. Don't just stay where the tourists are... get out there and explore!

Take back roads to avoid traffic on Route 30. During the summertime, Route 30 East can get crowded. Use Waze or your favorite mapping app on your phone to get around it. Back roads in Lancaster County aren't just convenient - they're quite scenic!

Amish horse-and-buggies can create dangerous road situations. Use caution when passing them on the road.

Downtown Lancaster is becoming more and more popular. It's recently been highlighted in the New York Times, the BBC, NY Daily News, New York Post (which called Lancaster "the new Brooklyn"), LA Times, Wall Street Journal (who asked if Lititz, Lancaster County is the "Rock Concert Capital of the World"), CNN, Fox News, Philly.com, PennLive.com, NJ.com, The Hunt Magazine, and others.

Our favorite trivia fact is that in addition to it being one of the oldest inland cities in the USA, you might be surprised to learn that it was actually the "Capital of the American colonies on September 27, 1777, when the Continental Congress was fleeing British forces (who had captured Philadelphia)".

Prefer to fly here? No problem! Lancaster, PA is within a few hours drive from multiple international airports (and we also have a regional airport):

Harrisburg International Airport (HIA)

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)

Dulles International Airport (just west of Washington, D.C.)

Ronald Reagan International Airport (Washington, D.C.)

Atlantic City International Airport (in New Jersey)

Lehigh Valley International Airport (in PA)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (in PA)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Newark Liberty International Airport (in NJ, right across from NYC)

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

Or maybe you'd rather take the train to Lancaster. Amtrak has several train stations in Lancaster County, making the area easily accessible from New York, Philly, DC, and Baltimore.

So the next time you're looking to take a road trip to the Northeastern United States (or the Mid-Atlantic region), add Lancaster County as a stop along the way. It'll give you a great sense of culture that you're probably not used to. After all, how often is a traffic jam in your town due to an Amish horse-and-buggy?

Lancaster County Mud Sales

Mud sales are a Lancaster County tradition - social events and auctions that raise funds for local volunteer fire departments. See the current mud sale schedule for this year as well as images and videos. Learn more.